12 September 2008

Media Release

 

Maori Language Week award winners 

The winners for Maori Language Week awards were announced tonight. In one of the most celebrated Maori Language Weeks yet, 36 finalists in nine categories contended for first place.

Huhana Rokx, Chief Executive of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori (Maori Language Commission) says, “Congratulations to all the winners, particularly for their efforts and commitment to te reo Maori. Everyone, finalists, entrants and those who participated and supported Maori Language Week celebrations are to be congratulated. Maori Language Week 2008 had an unprecedented coverage in the media and with the many thousands of celebrations throughout the nation.”

The winners by category are: print media – Gisborne Herald; radio – George FM; television – TV3; community – Ngaiterangi Iwi Runanga; local body organisations – Wellington City Council; business – Diagnostic Medlab; central government – Inland Revenue; pre-school – Kids to Five on Somerset; primary and intermediate schools – Albany Primary School; secondary schools - Greymouth and John Paul II High Schools; tertiary institutions – University of Auckland; first time entrants – I AM TV; supreme award winner – TV3 and Ngaiterangi Iwi Runanga.

Winners of the nine categories, first time entrants and supreme awards will be announced Friday evening, 12th September at the Maori Language Week awards evening in Wellington.

Many thanks to our sponsors - Te Kohanga Reo National Trust, Ministry of Education, Ma te Reo, Families Commission, Human Rights Commission, Cinco Cine Film Productions Ltd, Te Puni Kokiri, Korero Maori, Te Mangai Paho, Maori Television, UNESCO and Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori.

“Next year we will celebrate Maori Language Week from 27 July – 2 August with the theme ‘Te Reo i te Hapori,' or 'Maori language in the Community,'" says Huhana Rokx.

Ends

Contact:
Nicky Cockburn Birch
021 475 782
nicky@tetaurawhiri.govt.nz